Daring Further

Chapter 3

Vanessa went through her lessons rhythmically, letting her mind wander as Maia lectured her on the last royal family of Rigneria.

"The king and queen were executed, and the heirs had all died in the fire." Maia explained.

Vanessa nodded absentmindedly, only half-hearing what Maia was saying. "That will be all for today. Tomorrow I'll quiz you on the members of the Rhers family."

Those were the magic words. Vanessa immediately perked up. "I'm done with lessons now?"

Maia pursed her lips. "Yes, but you may not go riding today. You have to start getting ready for our guest."

A familiar defiance rose up in Vanessa's eyes and Maia prepared for battle. "And there are no if's, and's, or but's, young lady! And before you ask, I do not know who is coming!"

"Fine." Grumbled Vanessa and Maia sighed in relief. That was easier than she had thought but she was slightly suspicious of the twinkle in Vanessa's hazel eyes.

On nice days they conducted Vanessa's lessons on the patio. Vanessa skipped through the garden quickly, intent on getting to the kitchen before Maia so she could swipe a pastry. She gasped when she entered. Every inch of the kitchen was covered in some sort of dish- roasts, desserts, soups, salads; everything needed to create the finest courses for a very special guest. Over a mountain of creamy potatoes dripping in butter, she spotted a tall plate loaded with cream puffs. Fanny's back was turned to her, stirring something over the fire, so Vanessa took advantage of the opportunity and seized as many cream puffs as she could fit in her small fists. Then, before she could be caught, she dashed out and up the stairs to her room. Giggling to herself as she stuffed the fluffy, creamy goodness into her mouth, she flung open the door to her room and raced to her bed. She was congratulating herself on her success when she noted a cool breeze lifting her hair from her neck.

Frowning, she looked at the open window. Momentarily she felt puzzled, for she had been certain she closed it in the morning, but she dismissed it quickly. Most likely, Maia or a servant had opened it to get some fresh air in the house. Maia's footsteps approached her door and Vanessa hurriedly swallowed the last of her cream puff. Delicious.

"I think your blue velvet shall do nicely for tonight." Maia said, pulling out one of Vanessa's more elaborate dresses. Vanessa glared at the dress in distaste. She hated that dress- it had innumerable lace frills and tucks everywhere, and a childish lace collar.

"If I'm going to be forced to wear an uncomfortably tight, ridiculous dress, I'd rather wear my green chiffon." Vanessa argued. It was a nice dress, but very simple- a simple ribbon laced up the back and the neckline was plain, although a little lower than she would have liked. Maia paused to consider it. On one hand, she would have preferred her to wear a much nicer dress, but on the other hand, she didn't want this evening to get off to a poor start. She raised her hands in defeat and Vanessa beamed at her.

Maia helped her into the dress and pulled it tight, electing another groan from Vanessa. "I want to eat tonight!" She whined.

"It isn't ladylike to shove yourself full of food." Maia lectured.

"But Fanny made so much deliciousness! I don't want it to go to waste!"

"The men will take care of that. Listen, Vanessa, it is important you make a good impression tonight. Remember all your manners and act like a lady."

Vanessa's long, blonde locks were pinned up tightly to her head. She glowered at herself in the mirror. The pins were digging into her scalp and she could already feel a small headache coming on. She knew she was in for a long ordeal.

Maia didn't like Vanessa wearing much makeup, because her skin was naturally clear and bright. Vanessa did have a small scar on her temple- Maia dabbed just enough concealer to cover it up. A small amount of nude eyeshadow and some mascara was enough to pronounce her "presentable".

By the end of this excruciating ordeal, Maia was slightly flushed and Vanessa's eyes sparkled dangerously. Maia patted a loose strand of her hair into place and took a deep breath.

Please let everything go well tonight.